What is the definition of a foreign national?

A foreign national is defined as any person who is not a U.S. citizen. This includes individuals who hold citizenship in another country, which may include tourists, expatriates, and foreign workers residing temporarily or permanently within the U.S. This definition is important in various contexts, such as immigration law, legal rights, and law enforcement procedures, as it differentiates between U.S. citizens and non-citizens, who may have different legal statuses and rights.

Understanding this definition is crucial in law enforcement settings, particularly for jail officers, as it impacts how they interact with individuals in custody who may not have U.S. citizenship status. Recognizing the legal implications of someone being a foreign national can affect their treatment and the procedures followed during detention or legal processing.